Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION:
What is your protocol for COVID safety?ANSWER:
Your health and safety are our number one priority. My team and I are all vaccinated and boosted and follow all the current health guidelines. If you could have been exposed we ask that you reschedule your shoot at no cost.
QUESTION:
The women on your website all look like models. I am not "modelesque"...can I do this?ANSWER:
First of all, THANK YOU! I take that as a compliment of the highest degree...because...well....these women are not models. These women, just like you, at one point looked at the photos on my website and thought "Hmm..I know mine won't turn out THAT good since I don't look like a model, but I'm wondering how good she can make me look?" The answer is: Modelesque. I don't toot my horn about a whole lot, but I am VERY good at this. I know women. I know women SO well, that I know exactly what they will not like in photos. I know exactly how to pose all types of women to look their very very best. I know my camera equipment and can use it to create beautiful and ultra flattering images of ANY WOMAN. You don't have to know what you are doing in the slightest. I will direct you every step of the way, from helping to you prepare for your photo shoot with wardrobe tips, to posing every inch of you, to coaching your breathing through the session. You just need to show up and TRUST ME.
QUESTION:
Where will my photo session take place? Do you have a studio?ANSWER:
Yes! I have a beautiful studio in my home in Mission Canyon. We are in an olive orchard right across the street from the Botanic Garden so there are lots of beautiful places to shoot right around the studio or in any of the gorgeous locations in our city. Every photoshoot starts with hair and makeup in the studio and at least a portion of the shoot in the studio using natural light and strobe (artificial light).
QUESTION:
Do your shoots include hair and makeup?ANSWER:
YES! Every single shoot includes complimentary hair and makeup by my incredible team of artists. My team of extraordinary artists all have a very light touch and can create anything from the most natural "no makeup" look to full glam. It's totally up to you!
QUESTION:
Do you offer headshots for models or actors or personal branding?ANSWER:
Absolutely! One of my specialties is personal branding and headshots of every kind. I will capture authentic and engaging branding images for you so you can stand out from the crowd.
QUESTION:
What can I expect to spend if I do a shoot with you?ANSWER:
Your Custom Photoshoot Experience will be completely custom to you and your desires. My clients spend anywhere from $1,200 to $12,000 on their portraits, but what you purchase and ultimately spend is entirely up to you. You only purchase the images you love. I invite you to have a personal consultation with me so I can hear about your dream shoot, begin customizing your experience, and give you more details of what is included. You can begin that process here.
QUESTION:
What are the next steps for booking?ANSWER:
1) To get the booking process started contact me here.
2) Within 48 to 72 hours (Mon-Friday) of receiving your inquiry I will reach out to schedule a “Getting to Know You” call.
3) Prior to our “Getting To Know You” call, I will send some more info about how our shoots work for you to review before our chat.
4) At our “Getting To Know You Call” we will get acquainted, discuss your vision and all you are hoping to achieve with our shoot. Once I have an understanding of your needs & desires I will be able to share a more accurate quote and answer all your questions. At this point if you are a YES to booking we will celebrate and move forward with booking in your shoot date.5) Booking in your shoot date requires a) selecting a date, b) paying your non refundable retainer/sitting fee to reserve your date, c) signing a photoshoot agreement so you are clear on our policies.
QUESTION:
Do you accept credit cards?ANSWER:
Yes! You can pay your session fee and portrait order with a credit card or even online through Square.
QUESTION:
Do you offer payment plans?ANSWER:
Yes, absolutely! We can break up your final purchase over three or four months. I also offer pre-payment plans which you can start paying as much in advance as you like.
QUESTION:
How far in advance should I book my session?ANSWER:
I usually book out 2 to 5 months in advance. You can get on my waitlist for any dates that might open up and I have been known to work miracles and fit someone in last minute so don't let that keep you from inquiring.
QUESTION:
Why do you sell printed artwork? Isn’t that old school?ANSWER:
Digital forms of images come and go (how many floppy discs or even CDs do you still use) but an archival print is forever! These portraits are your legacy, they are something your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will have and cherish. How many times have you had a bunch of digitals on your computer or phone and never really looked at them or picked your favorites out to print? With the LKP experience you get your favorite portraits printed in the highest quality in folio boxes, albums and on the wall to be cherished and enjoyed for all time. But don’t worry you get the digital copies as well.
QUESTION:
What types of printed products do you offer?ANSWER:
I offer mounted and matted prints in hand crafted folio boxes, albums and wall art. I can create something custom for you as well if you desire. We also have a wide selection of Graduation announcement cards for Seniors and Christmas/Holiday cards.
QUESTION:
Will I get digital images?ANSWER:
Yes! Every image you purchase comes as both a print and a full resolution digital with printing rights.
QUESTION:
What is your turnaround time?ANSWER:
Your images will be partially edited and ready for viewing one to two weeks after your photoshoot. After you choose the images you want to purchase and pay for them they will be added to a gallery for you to view, share, and download and I will begin work on your products. Products take between 5 and 21 days to be ready for you depending on what you select.
QUESTION:
When and how will I select my favorite images from my shoot?ANSWER:
Two weeks after your shoot we will have your Reveal appointment where you will come back to the studio (or over Zoom if you prefer) to view and select which of your portraits you want to purchase. We will go through all your images and I will be there to support you and help you in narrowing down your selections.
QUESTION:
Do you photograph families?ANSWER:
Yes I do! But maybe not in the typical way. I specialize in photographing women and making you feel special and gorgeous. For family portraits I have mom and any daughters/family come in that will get hair and makeup done together to get pampered and photographed together, then younger children and boys come in later to be photographed individually and in all possible groupings, Then you just choose which images you want to purchase at the Reveal.
QUESTION:
What should I wear? What should I do to prepare?ANSWER:
The beauty of being an LKP client is, all of these questions are answered in COMPLETE detail for you in the Lucia Kiel Portraits Prep Guide which is emailed to you shortly after booking your session. This will cover exactly how you should prepare your face, body, and mind for your photo shoot, as well as a complete list of resources for beauty appointments and wardrobe for your photo shoot! No question will remain unanswered. I pride myself on offering a photoshoot EXPERIENCE to my clients...so expect a very informed process that involves a lot more instruction than just showing up to shoot and being done with it.
QUESTION:
How much can you “edit out”?ANSWER:
This is a touchy subject, but I stick to my gut (no pun intended) on this one. While we make the skin look it's best, we keep the "Photoshop" action minimal. I rely on my strategic poses and angles to play down "problem" areas that concern you. We WILL edit out blemishes/skin flaws, soften wrinkles/ fine line as well as simple things like under-eye circles and small scars (IF you request the scar-removal). My main rule of thumb is, if it’s permanent, it stays. Many women ask about the retouching of stretch marks. While we firmly believe that your stretch marks are a part of your story and therefore are beautiful, we do also understand many women’s aversion to their own. Our standard skin smoothing process will fade the appearance of stretch marks, but please be sure to request more or less at your photo shoot appointment if you have a different preference. My belief is that your finished portraits should fully look like you, just on your best day.